Lesser Shortwing – distraction tactic

“I was back in the highlands to do some follow up work on some birds. While walking along a dark trail this adult male Lesser Shortwing (Brachypteryx leucophris wrayi) popped up literally at my feet. It then proceeded to keep ahead of me on the trail for the next 25-30 meters. It would keep ahead 2-4 meters and stop when I did.

“It was very ‘confiding’ but I wonder if I was initially very close to its nest and it was leading me away?

“Very dark canopy and I tried my chances with images (no flash used).”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
1th April 2015

Location: 1,600m ASL, Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Habitat: A trial along primary montane forest